Lobster Rolls with Garlic Butter Buns
I can think of no better dish that captures the true taste and tone of summer than a lobster roll. But there are as many varieties of lobster rolls as there are claims to the “best-ever lobster roll” fame, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for seafood sandwiches.
Mayo or no mayo? Celery or celery salt? Chives or scallions? The customizations are endless, but if you were to ask me, I’d aim for the biggest, freshest flavor possible by going mayo-less. Yep. The girl who usually lets her high-fat freak flag fly (See: Bacon-Cheddar Biscuits) has chosen to ditch the creamy condiment in favor of simple citrus.
My lobster roll stars tender chunks of chilled lobster meat tossed with lemon juice, fresh celery and scallions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pile it all atop a toasted split-top bun that’s been brushed with garlic butter and tell me if that’s not the best dang lobster roll ever to cross your lips.
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Lobster Rolls with Garlic Butter Buns
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Ingredients:
4 cups cooked lobster meat, roughly chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped scallions
½ teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 split-top buns (See Kelly's Notes)Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the cooked lobster, lemon juice, celery, scallions, salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper, tossing until well combined. Set aside.
Melt the butter and minced garlic in a small saucepan over low heat.
Brush the exteriors of the buns with the garlic butter and toast in a saucepan over medium-low heat on both sides until golden brown. (See Kelly's Notes.)
Divide the lobster mixture into the toasted buns and serve immediately.
Kelly's Notes:
Split-top buns may be hard to find, so regular hot dog buns will do in a pinch. I found both regular and whole wheat split-top buns at my local Trader Joe's.
You can also grill the buns over a low flame to add a smoky char.
brandi — July 18, 2012 @ 9:40 am
i have never had a lobster roll. this makes me sad to even admit that.
Bev @ Bev Cooks — July 18, 2012 @ 10:15 am
Oh, man! I’ve been wanting to make lobster rolls FU-EVAH. We’re on the same page today with lobster!
Looks freaking pimp.
Angie @ Big Bear's Wife — July 18, 2012 @ 10:26 am
I actually have a few lobster tails that I need to use! This would be perfect!
Rachel @ Bakerita — July 18, 2012 @ 11:22 am
Gorgeous! These looks so delicious. And I love that you don’t use mayo – I hate it, and so many lobster rolls use it. This looks fabulous, can’t wait to try.
cassie — July 18, 2012 @ 12:00 pm
I have been thinking about these all morning Kelly! I’ll be on the lookout for lobster, I must have these soon! The bread looks amazing too, glad to know you found it at TJ’s!
David — July 18, 2012 @ 1:13 pm
I’m headed to Boston next week so I have lobster roll on the brain. This looks so delicious and easy. Maybe after I get back, these will help me get my fix!
Rachel — July 18, 2012 @ 1:16 pm
Kelly, these look amazing! I have a serious craving for lobster now, never tried making it but now I feel like I have to!
elizabeth @ chronic venture — July 18, 2012 @ 1:51 pm
oh man, Kelly these look so delicious! i treat myself to a lobster roll every once in a while when the lobster roll truck is nearby at work. so delicious, but these look even better!
Eliana — July 18, 2012 @ 2:09 pm
You are so right! Nothing says summer like a good lobster roll and this one here looks absolutely perfect!
Katie — July 18, 2012 @ 5:11 pm
Do you buy your lobster precooked? I always get a little hesitant to cook lobster since it’s not cheap and easily overcooked.
Kelly Senyei replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 5:15 pm
Hi Katie! So funny you should ask… I usually get my cooked lobster meat from The Lobster Place in NYC, which has a super high quality selection. I wasn’t able to make the trek there when I was developing this recipe, so I spoke with the man at the fish department of my local Whole Foods to see what my best options were. He introduced me to the single brand of frozen lobster meat that they carry — it’s called Craig’s All Natural Lobster Meat — and I was really impressed with the quality and freshness. I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. It’s a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. — July 18, 2012 @ 6:58 pm
these rock! Off to pin this!
JulieD — July 18, 2012 @ 7:51 pm
I’m totally dying over these!!! Have to make these soon!! Glad that I can use cooked lobster. woohoo!
Sara — July 18, 2012 @ 8:31 pm
There is no better summer food – those look amazing!
Emily — July 18, 2012 @ 9:01 pm
These look beautiful!!! Gorgeous photos.
shelly (cookies and cups) — July 19, 2012 @ 8:19 am
Seriously. Those looks amazing!
Joanne (Inspired Taste) — July 19, 2012 @ 11:47 am
These look so good! I wish I could reach into the screen and grab one. Love how simply you seasoned the lobster, too.
jen @ one curly fry — July 25, 2012 @ 7:46 am
I LOVE Lobster Rolls. They are just amazing. King’s Hawaiian has Split Top Rolls too – they would work perfectly!
Simona m. — August 4, 2012 @ 2:46 pm
Love that you did not use mayo. I just love the simplicity of seafood….just the taste of the sea.
Just a taste | armadillas — April 26, 2013 @ 1:50 pm
[...] and as soon as the clock strikes 6, I’m jumping into my car, rushing home and making her Lobster Rolls with Garlic Butter Buns…only with crab since that’s what I happen to have in my [...]